Title: Paint – Interlude # 1

Author: Dontia

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Spoilers: None

Rating: R, but barely.

Summary: Michael paints Tess.

Notes: Sequel to "Love Notes"

Feedback: It keeps me writing, so the choice is yours.

Dedication: To Lisa, who makes the most amazing fan art. I didn’t plan another installment of this series until St. Patrick’s Day. That changed when I saw her amazing pic. This is the link in case you wanna know what I’m babbling about. Thanks again Lisa.

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At Michael and Tess’ apartment, Tess exits the bedroom wrapped in nothing but a black satin sheet. "This isn’t fair you know."

Michael looks up from his easel. He gulps at the contrast of Tess’ pale blondeness against the inky sheet. "What are you talking about?"

"I’m practically naked in front of you, yet refuse to strip for me."

"We talked about this."

"I’m kidding Michael. Just because we aren’t having sex doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it."

"It’d probably be safer if we didn’t."

"Where’s the fun in safe? Where do you want me?" Tess smiles as Michael focuses on where the sheet strains against her breasts before his eyes glaze over. "I meant where do you want me to pose. Unless you had somethin’ else in mind?"

He glares at her as he points to the sofa. "Stop it."

"Yes sir," says Tess, saluting with her right hand as her left hand almost loses hold of the sheet. She barely stops herself from laughing when Michael moves to help her keep it up before thinking better of touching her. She sits on the sofa and flashes him an innocent smile.

"There’s a good reason we aren’t having sex."

"I know, we talked about it."

"Then why are you makin’ this so hard on me?"

Tess glances down at the crotch of his pants. "Is it hard?"

"Tess…"

"I said I understood why we aren’t Michael. I’m just making sure you want me."

"Trust me, wanting you isn’t the problem. Drape yourself over the arm of the sofa. Yeah, like that."

"This war is gonna be long. I don’t plan to wait ‘til it’s over for you to give in."

Michael walks over and arranges her hair to his liking. "You’re gonna look for someone else to give it to you?"

"No, I’m gonna get tired of waiting and tie you to the bed. We don’t know how long the danger’s gonna last, wouldn’t it be better if we set a date?"

"A date to have sex?"

"Why not? It’ll be a day when we do what we want, no matter what else is going on. What do you say?"

"If I say yes, will you stop teasing me?" asks Michael as he begins painting.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes. My self control’s hangin’ by a thread as it is."

"Good. How ‘bout next week?"

"How about Halloween?"

"What about St. Patrick’s Day? Luck of the Irish, we get lucky."

"That’s less than a month away."

"I know."

"It’s too soon. Labor day."

"You really wanna be tied to the bed, don’t you?"

"We’ll discuss it."

Tess laughs. "How ‘bout the Fourth of July? It’s four months, the absolute longest I’m gonna last."

Michael thinks about it a moment. "Fine."

"Fine. You gonna take me to third base before then?"

"Third base?"

"Yeah. Kyle and I had a long talk about sex as a sports analogy."

"Valenti and I are gonna have a long talk about what he says to my girlfriend."

"Can I listen when you do?"

"No. Stop smiling and talking, I need to do your face."

"Then entertain me. Tell me a story."

"About what?"

"I don’t know, anything you want. I love listening to you talk."

Michael sees the sincere look on her face. He walks over and kisses her, bruising her lips with his intensity. "I love you."

"I love you too. Now amuse me."

He shakes his head and laughs as he walks back to his easel. "Have you heard how Alex found out about me, Isabel, and Max?"

"No."

"Well, there was this rave…"

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THE END